Last month I shared the very happy news that Max has made it FOUR YEARS!! past his diagnosis of GME.

For those of you unfamiliar with Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME), it is a canine disease where the white blood cells attack the central nervous system. Max is well past historic longterm prognosis for this terrible disease. When he was diagnosed we were told his chances were “not leaving the hospital” – to – “up to three years”.

Last week we were back to Cornell for more chemo for Max. There was again good news as his gallbladder was once again smaller, and his liver numbers, “perfect”! There was also potentially bad news as there was mention that there may be more sludge in his gallbladder. Max also has an ultrasound monthly to determine the size of his gallbladder, liver, and kidneys. There is sludge in his gallbladder, but no plug. They could not be sure if it was the same amount of sludge in a smaller place, or he if he has developed more sludge. There was also a mention of crystals (that concerns me as a stone would be bad news).

His meds were adjusted too. We had stopped the Metronidazole for a week to see if he could leave off one of his antibiotics. The white numbers were up in that week, so back he went on the Met.

Max was supposed to go back to Cornell in mid-September (four weeks) for more chemo, but his neurologist spread it out to five weeks. In June, this was the original plan, amended in July, and now back again in August. Sometimes, I can’t keep up! It is such a delicate balance to keep the GME at bay.

Here is a list of Max’s current medicines and supplements. They are all liquid except for the Pregabalin which is in pill form. Max is a horrible pill taker, so we long ago switched him to liquid forms of his drugs and supplements.

Hubby and I try and go out once per week for “date day”. We started this several years ago when we realized we were not doing enough things together as a couple. Because Max is ill, we have dog walkers stop in when we are going to be gone for four hours or more. They will let him out, play with him, and sometimes take him for a walk!

The dog walker takes excellent photographs of Max with her cell phone. I want her secret. Phone or camera, as soon as Max sees me trying to take a photo he looks down, to the side, or takes off. Heavy sigh.

That is our update for the month. Max is clearly a canine wonder fighting this disease as long as he has. We continue to take one day at a time, and appreciate all the time we have with our marvelous little fellow.

Previous Max posts (read in order from the bottom up to follow his whole story):

Comments

Hi Ann, its wonderful to read Max’s story, our wonderful dog Percy has just been diagnosed with this GME awfulness and has his first chemo round today. Gives me great hope to see Max going strong 4 years on!

I am happy to read how well Max is doing Ann. I know how much you love him. I’m sorry sweet Max has to go through this. I have two Maltese girls so I know how awful GME is from friends. I have been keeping Max in my prayers and will continue to do so.

Thank you, Elaine. I hope your girls never have to go through this – truly a terrible disease.

Note: GME is called the Maltese-Pug disease in small dogs. While mainly a large dog disease, the small dogs that get it most often are in the Maltese or Pug families. A Coton is a Maltese-cousin. This explanation is for those reading the comments who would be unaware of this, as Elaine clearly knows what-is-what on GME.

Hi Ann. I didn’t realize Cotons and Maltese are cousins. No wonder I’m always mistaking Cotons for Maltese!
Many internet friends have lost their Maltese babies to GME over the years. It is a terrible disease. Max has done so well thus far. I continue to pray for him. 😘

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